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Artificial Roosts

Around the globe, bats have adapted to use a variety of man-made, artificial roost types, which can serve as effective alternatives for bats that have either lost their natural habitat or that prefer some element of the artificial structure.

The design and location of artificial roosts dictate which bat species are likely to occupy them.

Since the size and habitat needs of the world’s 1,300+ bat species vary widely, artificial roosts likewise must be tested and customized accordingly.

These roosts are known to range from traditional wooden bat houses, to large “bat condo” structures positioned on stilts, to the underside of highway bridges with concrete expansion joints, to artificial tree bark, and even specially-designed bat towers.

To date, the majority of research into artificial roost design and habitation has taken place in temperate regions of the world, like the United States and Europe.

Additional investigation is needed in tropical regions and with frugivorous and nectarivorous bat species to devise successful strategies for providing artificial habitat for all bats.